If you are searching for the best longbows that you can find, you will soon discover that there are more manufacturers and brands than you would ever have imagined. No matter if you are planning on using your longbow for target shooting or hunting, the number of different longbow options can very quickly have you feeling confused and even overwhelmed.
What makes matters even worse, is if you are not sure what the best longbow for your individual needs is, you may end up spending your hard-earned money on a bow that you end up not liking or that is just plain the wrong type of longbow for you. How can a particular type or brand of longbow be ‘wrong’ for you, you ask? It could be that the bow you decided on is inconvenient for you to shoot or is inaccurate with your shooting style.
This is why you must know how to choose which traditional longbow is right for you. Once you have done this, it won't matter if you are using longbows for hunting or for target practice, you will have better results and a more enjoyable experience!
Getting Started
Whether you are interested in the best English longbows or simply looking for the best longbow for beginners, the only way you will be able to find the traditional longbow for you is to know the answers to the following questions:
- Is this going to a bow for target practice, one of your hunting longbows, or both?
- What's the best brace height of the longbow for you?
- Draw weight and the draw length of your bow?
- What are the longbow brands with the highest quality of bows?
- Do you have a price budget for your new longbow?
First thing’s first. Before you should even think about getting a longbow, you must understand the different components, and choose the type of longbow that is suited for you.
Understanding Longbows
If you are new to archery, you may think that all bows are the same. They are the same in the sense that they are all able to shoot an arrow. However, not all bows are the same at all, and the longbow is no exception. What makes a longbow a longbow, is that while they may look extremely simple, they are actually going to be very unique. This is because every longbow will have:
Length
As the name ‘longbow’ indicates, longbows are very long. In fact, when you compare them to some of the other styles of bows available (such as horse bows, recurve bows, or compound bows), they will simply look enormous. The reason for this is because longbows are supposed to be around the size of the person who is shooting them.
Shape
When your longbow is strung correctly, it should have the general shape of the letter ‘D’. You will also notice that the string does not come into contact with the bow at the bottom limb or the top limb. This makes it much different than other types of bows such as compound bows and recurve bows.
Materials
The traditional longbow is typically made out of wood. If the bow is made of a single piece of wood, it is known as a self bow, and if the bow is made out of multiple pieces of wood that have been layered on top of each other, it is known as a composite bow.
On a side note, you must keep in mind that as bow technology has advanced, so has the materials used in making the bows. This essentially means that you are now able to find longbows that are made out of all types of materials, one of the more popular ones being fiberglass. At the very same time, sas pioneer wood is one of the more common types of materials that are used in the making of bows, the best including a combination of sas pioneer that is coated in fiberglass.
Brace Height
The brace height of a bow is going to be the deepest part of the bowstring and the grip. Typically the brace height will range between 6 or 7 inches, no matter if your bow is 68 inches long or even longer. The brace height is considered to be very important as it has a huge effect on your speed, accuracy, and even how smooth your entire draw cycle is. This is exactly why brace height is so important in selecting the right longbow.
The Different Types of Longbows
Now that you are familiar with exactly what a longbow entails, it is time to learn about the different types of longbows that are available to you. Keep in mind that each of the following ‘styles’ of bows are all considered to be longbows, even though they may sound very different from one another.
Here are the four main types of longbows.
English Longbow
The English longbow is considered to be the simplest version of the longbow and will only have a few different features to it. The average English longbow will typically range in length that is over 66” in total length. They will typically have a deep core and narrow limbs.
Hill Style Longbow
More commonly referred to as the ‘American’ longbow, it is normally a bit wider and flatter in the cross-section, which is usually accompanied with some type of stacked handle. The average length of the hill style bow will be between 68”-70”. When compared to the English longbow, this style of bow will usually be shorter. Although the hill style of bow is shorter, it is much more stable and efficient of a bow design.
Reflex/Deflex Longbows
The reflex/deflex longbow will essentially give you all of the benefits that a recurve bow has (which will be explained shortly) but will spread the design throughout the entire limbs, as opposed to only the limb tips. What this means is that you can expect to shoot your arrow with much more speed, but with less or even no shock to your hand.
Flatbows
These longbows have a flat limb that is in their cross-section, that has been partnered with a wider limb that will usually taper in the closer to the tips that you get. Considered to be the best hunting longbow, this particular type of longbow is based on the Native American longbows that were used to hunt their prey. The average length of a flatbow is 68 inches.
You may be thinking to yourself that you have heard an awful lot about the recurve bow and that it is similar to that of a longbow. The answer to that is yes, they are similar, but at the very same time, they are also extremely different. Here is the difference between a longbow and a recurve bow.
Longbow vs. Recurve Bow
When it comes to a longbow and a recurve, it is best if you think of them as very close cousins. This means that even the best longbow can be confused with the worst recurve, and the worst cheapest longbow can be confused with the best recurve. They are simply very similar types of bows.
However, if you know what to look for, you will have no problems telling these two different styles of bows apart from one another. Here is how you can do just that:
Check the Size
Recurves will normally be slightly smaller than longbows, as they average around 68 inches. Now keep in mind that recurves are still pretty large overall, they do not typically have the length that most longbows are going to have. This is the most obvious difference between the two different styles.
Look at the Curves
With the recurve, the end of the bottom and top limbs will curve outwards, away from the direction of the shooter. This is why a ‘recurve’ bow is called a recurve. The limbs of the bow curve towards the shooter and will then curve away from the shooter. This particular design allows for a faster shot, essentially creating a much more effective transfer of energy from the bow into the arrow.
The longbow does not have these same curves on its limbs, but rather depends upon the bows overall length to generate the force of the arrow that is shot.
Check the Sound
Since the longbow does not have the recurved limbs that the recurve does, it means that the longbow's string has almost no contact with the bow at all. On the other hand, the recurve has much more contact due to its design. This essentially means that the longbow will be much quieter than a recurve. The recurve has a higher chance of the bowstring ‘slapping’ against the bow. The longbow does not have this problem.
Does it Have a Shelf?
Recurve bows are typically going to have a ‘shelf’ that allows you to rest the arrow on it while you prepare to shoot. Longbows typically do not have this shelf, as they are normally round from the top of the bow to the bottom of it.
So, which is easier to shoot, longbow or recurve?
Depending upon your shooting skill, the recurve bow will generally be easier to shoot as the shelf provides a huge advantage.
Check the Draw Weight
Typically speaking, most recurve bows will have a draw weight that is anywhere between 15 and 80 pounds. Most longbows, however, will have a draw weight that is between 80 and 150 pounds. With that being said, you will typically have a much faster arrow with a recurve bow than a traditional longbow.
Shooting Distance
Since the longbow usually has a much higher draw weight when compared to the recurve bow, longbows are able to shoot much farther distances.
Look at Accessories
Recurve bows are great if you are planning on loading up your bow with all of your favorite gear. You can add plungers, stabilizers, sights, string silencers, elevated rests, and so much more. The longbow though, is typically not going to be dressed up with very much, if anything at all.
While it can be confusing to distinguish a longbow from a recurve bow, you should now be able to tell them apart with ease. No matter if you are looking at a longbow for deer hunting or recurve bow for target practice, you should have no problems identifying the two similar types of bows from each other.
How to Choose the Right Longbow
Congratulations! You have decided that archery is something that you are interested in and you have decided that a longbow is exactly what you need. Or maybe you have always been involved with archery and are simply ready to expand your archery arsenal with the longbow. No matter what the reason may be, you are ready to find the best longbow for your individual style and skill level.
Purpose
The first thing that you will need to do is decide what you will be using this bow for. Looking to use a longbow for hunting? In search of a longbow for beginners? Are you simply looking for a cheap longbow? The ultimate reason you are in search of a longbow will play a huge part in choosing the right one for your archery needs.
Draw Weight
Next, you will want to take a look at the bow's draw weight. Draw weights are very important if you are trying to become an archer who shoots more than 3 arrows a day. While bows with a higher draw weight may seem easy on your first draw, every real archer knows that the draw weight plays a huge part in how many arrows you are able to shoot at one time.
If you are using a longbow for hunting (which longbows are one of the best hunting bows available), the draw weight may not play that large of a factor. But if you have dreams of improving your archery skills, finding the right draw weight is kind of a big deal.
If you are just starting out in archery, remember that it is in your interest to start with lower draw weight and work your way up to heavier ones. For example, start with your main goal being to increase your draw weight to 30 pounds with a different type of bow. Once you have done this, you will be ready to get started with the 35-pound draw weight on a longbow (which is just about the lowest draw weight available on longbows).
Side Note:
You must know that you are not able to change out the limbs or limb tips on a longbow. This means that you may want to practice other draw weights on a different style of bow before getting started on a longbow. This will allow you to work your way up to your desired draw weight and save you some money in terms of needing to upgrade your longbow as often.
So, is a longbow good for beginners?
Essentially, if you are new to archery, you may want to get started with another style of bow before getting started with a longbow. So if you are a beginner, the longbow may not be the best bow for you.
The 5 Best Longbows
If you are interested in archery and want the best longbow that you can find, it can become very confusing very quickly. This is due to all of the different options that are available to you and other archers.
Here are the top 5 longbows that will help you start loving archery even more. No matter if you are looking for the best longbow for the money, modern longbows, a longbow for hunting, or just simply an overall great longbow, the longbows listed below have made this list for a reason. So, without further ado, here are the best longbows available on the market today.
1. SAS Pioneer Traditional Wood Long Bow
The SAS Pioneer Traditional Wood Long Bow is made completely out of rot-resistant makore wood and cassia siamea. What really sets this bow apart from the rest is that it is encased and reinforced with fiberglass.
Standing at 68 inches long, it is actually a bit shorter than the more traditional longbows. With that being said, it will always be longer than any bow that is 64 inches long. The one downside, however, is that this bow is designed for right-hand shooters only.
What makes this bow so great, is that it comes in a range of different draw weights. With draw weights as low as 35 pounds, you will have no problems working your way up to 55 pounds or more.
Now you must know that there is some hand shock with this bow, the hand shock is not as bad as many of the other ones available on the market. With that being said, the hand shock factor should not be a factor when you are considering this bow.
2. Bear Archery Montana Longbow Right Hand
Considered to be on the more ‘high end’ of archery and longbows, the Bear Archery Montana Longbow Right Hand comes in a draw weight of 55 pounds and will not disappoint even the most experienced archery professional. While this is a right-handed only bow, this bow is also an archery piece of art at the very same time. Between the leather grip to how thin the limbs are, this is simply a beautiful bow that anyone can get excited to use.
At 64 inches in total length, it is considered to be slightly smaller than most traditional longbows. With limbs made out of white maple and reinforced with fiberglass, this is one high strength bow. Now factor in the leather grip and you have an archery masterpiece.
The one downside is that this bow does have a little hand shock, but the high-quality materials and the fantastic draw that this bow provides you with will make you forget about the minimal amount of hand shock that may occur. One of the benefits of using such a high-quality bow.
3. SAS Gravity 64” Hunting Longbow Wooden Traditional
No matter if you are in search of the best longbow that you can find for any type of archery, the SAS Gravity 64” Hunting Longbow is exactly what you are searching for.
It is not only considered to be a great modern longbow with an outstanding draw at the current moment but is handcrafted from the finest hardwoods available. This means you can always expect to have an accurate, powerful, and smooth shot. Partner this with the amazing draw and you have one of the best bows in archery.
Weighing in at only 1.3 pounds, the reinforced limb tips only add to the durability that this bow will provide you with. Ideal for right hand and left-handed shooters, this is one bow that will help you take your archery skills to the next level.
4. Ragim Raven
A longbow that is made in Italy, this is a bow that has the price of an entry-level bow, but the performance and finish of one twice its price. What makes this bow stand out is the accuracy and smooth shooting you can expect every single shot. On top of that, this is a very easy bow to tune, meaning that you can adjust it for any archery need you may have.
Completely reinforced with fiberglass on both sides, the Ragim Raven has been designed to provide you with the best durability and stability that any archery enthusiast or hunter could ask for. Ideal for shooters who are both left-handed and right-handed, this bow comes in draw weights between 20 and 65 pounds, increasing in 5-pound increments.
Since the bow is only 66” in length, it is not necessarily ideal for the smaller-framed shooters, those including women and young archery hopefuls.
5. SinoArt Sparrow
Considered to be a cheap longbow, it is also one of the best longbows for beginners at the very same time. However, do not let that fool you from the quality of bow that the SinoArt Sparrow really is. This bow checks just about every archery box that there is.
From the high-quality performance, the quality of craftsmanship, or even all of the amazing reviews, this is one bow that you must consider if you are new to archery. While not necessarily the best hunting bow option, it is a great bow to introduce you to the wonderful world of archery and everything that it has to offer.
To sum this bow up, you have some great materials, a smooth release, a bow that keeps the smaller shooter in mind, and one that is an outstanding value overall. Just know that this is a right hand only bow, meaning that if you are left-handed, this is probably not the bow to help you fulfill all of your archery dreams.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best longbows, it can very easily become an overwhelming situation that is able to put you off archery altogether. If you are serious about finding the best longbow for your archery needs, you will need to figure out what your ultimate reason for using the bow is for in the first place. After you have successfully done this, you will have no problem finding the bow that best fits your individual archery needs.
The best longbow that you will seriously want to consider using for archery moving forward is going to be the Bear Archery Montana Longbow Right Hand. While it is on the more expensive side, even if you are looking for the best beginner longbow, this is essentially going to be the last one that you will ever need to buy. This really is one of the best longbows available on the market today. If you are serious about archery, this is the right bow for you!